National Flag Day Celebration at Fullerton Elks Lodge

Description

World War II Marine veteran and Purple Heart recipient Louis A. McKay, Sr. will be speaking this month to a patriotic crowd of citizens at the Fullerton Elks Lodge, about what it means to be an American, his war experience, and the importance of honoring our nation's flag for Flag Day.
 
McKay, 88, is the guest speaker for the Elks' 101st Annual Celebration of Flag Day on Thursday, June 14,  and, also will be celebrating his 89th birthday, at the Fullerton Elks Lodge, nears the intersection of Harbor Blvd. and Brea Blvd.

McKay enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. In his hometown of Douglas, Ariz. in 1943, at age 18, and was trained to be a part of the elite special forces and the famed Carlson Raiders.
 
McKay was wounded in action and lost a leg in Okinawa for which he was awarded the Purple Heart. He also received three Bronze Stars and a Presidential Unit Citation. He is named in the registry for the National World War II Memorial, in Washington D.C., for his service in Saipan, Tinian and Okinawa.
 
At a time when Americans may sometimes wrestle with how to best honor our history and show pride for our national symbols, the Elks and McKay firmly believe we must never forget those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and why they did it.
 
“Even today, I feel very strongly that a lot of Americans take their peace for granted,” said McKay.
 
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks have celebrated Flag Day since the early days of the organization, and an allegiance to the flag is a requirement of every member. In 1907, the Elks Grand Lodge designated by resolution June 14, as Flag Day and adopted a mandatory observance of the occasion by every Lodge in 1911. In 1949, President Harry Truman proclaimed June 14 would be a day of national observance for the symbol of our country.
 
The Flag Day Celebration is open to the public. Dinner starts being served at
5:30 p.m., and the program begins at 8 p.m.
 
For information on membership and Elks events call (714) 879-7075, Wil Cruz
(713) 870-1993, Elks Lodge.